Ornamentation and Iconography in Balinese Temples

Ornamentation and Iconography in Balinese Temples

Balinese temples are enlivened by a variety of stone sculpture and relief which to the Western eye have an almost baroque or rococo quality. The original inspiration for many of the statues and motifs may have come from India, but everywhere they have been subjected to strong local influences which over centuries have given rise to a uniquely Balinese artistic tradition.

The basic material used for stone carving is a soft volcanic sandstone, or tuff, which has a very plastic quality and lends itself well to being shaped by the stone mason`s chisel. Equally, it deteriorates fairly rapidly when exposed to the elements and Balinese temples are in a constant process of renovation and renewal.

A Balinese Iconography

One of the most striking images in Balinese temples is the face of a leering monster, which lolling tongue, bulging eyes and ferociously large canines, which is typically found over the monumental gateway (kori agung) leading to the innermost courtyard. This demonic visage is the face of the bhoma, whose fearful countenance is intended to drive away malevolent influences the temple precincts.

Less important locations are augmented with karang bintulu-a monstrous single eye which stares unblinkingly over a dental arcade of upper teeth with extended canines. This motif is typically surmounted by an image of a mountain-a representation of the legendary Mount Meru which stands at the centre of the Hindu-Buddhist universe and is identified in Indian mythology as the abode of the gods.

Corner motifs include karang curing, which are composed by the upper part of a bird`s beak with a single eye and jagged teeth, or as an alternative, karang asti, the jawless head of an elephant. When the Mexican artist and author Miguel Covarrubias, who lived in Bali during the 1930s, asked why these images lacked a lower mandible, he was told that this was because they did not have t o eat solid food. Covarrubias comments:”This is, in my opinion, a typically Balinese wisecrack and not an indication of any such symbolic meaning”

Other decorative motif include border designs (patra) of which there are several kinds. The type known as patra olanda might have been inspired by Dutch sources, while the pattern known as patra cina, indicates Chinese origins.

Padmasana shrines and meru are typically decorated with geometric or foliate motifs, while the carvings or pavilions may include representations of animals and mythological beasts, or even the gods themselves.

The most important images are reserved for the walls and gateways for they divide the sacred precincts of the temple from the profane, secular world outside. Especially significant in this last respect are the reliefs which adorn the free-standing wall, or aling-aling, which is placed just behind the kori agung gateway as one enters the innermoust courtyard in the temple complex. The latter typically sports a rogues` gallery of demons and ogres who are intended to deter malevolent influences from penetrating the inner sanctum.

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Goddess Gayatri and History of Gayatri Mantra

Gayatri Devi is an incarnation of Saraswati Devi, consort of Lord Brahma, symbolising the "shakti" (strength) and "dev" (quality) of Knowledge, Purity and Virtue. Saraswati Devi is held to be the patronness of the Arts, being a poet and musician, as well as skillful composer. In the form of Gayatri Devi, with the blessings of Lord Brahma, she is believed to have given the four Vedas to mankind.

Gayatri is depicted seated on a lotus. She is depicted with five faces representing the pancha pranas /pancha vayus(five lives/winds): prana, apana,vyana, udana, samana, of the five principles/ elements (pancha tatwas) earth, water, air, fire, sky (prithvi, jala, vayu, teja, aakasha). She has 10 hands carrying the five ayudhas: shankha; chakra, kamala, varada, abhaya, kasha, ankusha, ujjwala utensil, rudrakshi mala.

Gayatri, Savitri and Saraswati are three goddesses representing the presiding deities of the famous Gayatri mantra chanted thrice a day. Gayatri is the presiding deity of the morning prayer and rules over the Rigveda and the garhapatya fire. Every grihasta (householder) was expected to keep 5 or 3 sacred fires ( Five fires: ahavaneeya, dakshagni, garhapatya, sawta, aavasadha.) in his house to perform Vedic rituals.

In Sanskrit, there are definite rules that regulate poetry: rhyme and meter are not written whimsically. The Gayatri Mantra has a Vedic metre of 24 syllables. Amongst the regulated poetry, the Gayatri mantra, chanted by properly qualified persons, is the most prominent. The Gayatri mantra is mentioned in the Srimad Bhagavatam. Great sins are said to be expiated by a pious recitation of this Gayatri verse which reads as follows:

Om bhoor bhuvassuvaha,

Tatsa Vitur varenyam,

Bhargo devasya dheemahi,

Dheeyo yonah prachodayat

Gayatri mantra is meant for realization of God and is regarded as representing the Supreme Lord. It is meant for spiritually advanced people. Success in chanting it enables one to enter the transcendental position of the Lord. But, in order to chant the Gayatri mantra, it is necessary for one to first acquire the qualities of the perfectly balanced person in terms of the qualities of goodness according to the laws of material nature. The Gayatri mantra is considered to be the sonic incarnation of Brahman and is regarded as very important in Vedic civilization. In Bhagavadgita (Ch. 10. 35), Lord Krishna states:

Brihat saama latha saamnaam

Gayatri chandasaam aham

Maasaanam maarga sirshoham

Ritunaam kusumaakaraha

Among the hymns, I am the Brihat saama sung to Lord Indra,

Of the poetry, I am the Gayatri verse sung daily by the initiated,

Of all the nuwsas (months), I am the margasira (November- December)

Among all the ritus (seasons), I am the flower bearing - spring.

Hindu Temples across the world perform Gayatri havan (homam) periodically to propitiate the Lord. Ghee (rectified butter) is applied during the homa by all the participants seated around the homa-kunda.

Ref: Swami Harshananda: Hindu Gods and Goddesses Published by Sri Ramakrishna Ashrama, Mysore, 2nd Edition, 1982. Kalyan-Devatankaha, No.8, year 64. Published by Gita Press, Gorakhpur.

author by http://www.eaglespace.com/spirit/gayatri.php

Gayatri Mantra Praanayama

Gayatri Mantra Praanayama

The complete form (or long form) of the Gayatri Mantra contains an invocation to the seven spheres, followed by the traditional 24-syllable mantra that is most commonly chanted. The final part of the mantra is an invocation to the Goddess of light to illuminate our path as we move towards higher consciousness.

AUM bhUH, AUM bhuvaH, AUM svaH, AUM mahaH
AUM janaH, AUM tapaH, AUM satyam
AUM tatsaviturvarenyM bhargo devasya dhImahi
dhIyo yo nH prachodayAt.h.
AUM Apo jyotiH rasomRRitaM
brahma bhUR bhuvaH svar AUM..

Gayatri Mantra Praanayama Detailed Meaning

AUM, the primordial sound, resides in all elements of the universe. It permeates the earth (-bhUH), water (-bhuvaH), fire (-svaH), air (-mahaH), ether (-janaH), intelligence (-tapaH) and consciousness (-satyam). We pay homage to Gayatri, the one who shines like the sun (tat savitur), the one who destroys all our sins through her everlasting and effulgent light. Dear Goddess Gayatri, please illuminate our path towards our higher consciousness and lead us to our true purpose in life. Please shine your light (-jyotiH) in our path so we may partake of the everlasting nectar (rasomRRitaM) of brahman while chanting the primordial sound, AUM!

author by http://www.eaglespace.com/spirit/gayatri.php

Origin, Benefits and Chanting of the Gayatri Mantra

Origin, Benefits and Chanting of the Gayatri Mantra

Rishis selected the words of the Gayatri Mantra and arranged them so that they not only convey meaning but also create specific power of righteous wisdom through their utterance. The ideal times for chanting the mantra are three times a day - at dawn, mid-day, and at dusk. These times are known as the three sandhyas - morning, mid-day and evening. The maximum benefit of chanting the mantra is said to be obtained by chanting it 108 times. However, one may chant it for 3, 9, or 18 times when pressed for time. The syllables of the mantra are said to positively affect all the chakras or energy centres in the human body - hence, proper pronunciation and enunciation are very important. (http://www.eaglespace.com/gayatri_audio.php)

All the problems of a person are solved if he/she is endowed with the gift of righteous wisdom. Once endowed with far-sighted wisdom, a man is neither entangled in calamity nor does he tread the wrong path. A wise man finds solution to all outstanding problems. Only those persons who do not think correctly find difficulty and take wrong steps due to foolishness.

Chanting of Gayatri Mantra removes this deficiency. The teachings and powers incorporated in the Gayatri Mantra fulfill this purpose. Righteous wisdom starts emerging soon after Jap(recitation) of the Gayatri Mantra is performed.

References to the Gayatri Mantra in Scriptures

The Upanisads (secret texts) of Hinduism contain several references to the Gayatri Mantra.

Chandogya Upanisad 3.12.1

This entire creation is Gayatri. And the Gayatri is speech - for speech sings (gayati) and protects (trayati) this entire creation.

Brahadaranyaka Upanisad 5.14.4

The Gayatri Mantra is based on truth. For truth is based on strength. Strength is breath, and is based on breath. So, Gayatri protects (tra) the wealth (gaya) (the breath!) of those who speak it with earnestness and devotion. When one recites Gayatri on behalf of someone, it protects that person's breath too!

Brahadaranyaka Upanisad 5.14.5

This verse talks about the unbounded wealth contained within the four 'foots' of the Gayatri Mantra.

• The first foot (aum bhur bhuvah svaha) is said to be equivalent to the wealth contained in the three worlds put together.
• The second foot (tat savitur varenyam) is said to be equivalent to the wealth contained in the three main vedas.
• If one were to receive a gift extending as far as there are living beings, that would equal the third foot (bhargo devasaya dheemahi).
• The fourth foot (dheeyo yo nah prachodyaat) is based on the glory of the sun, whose power and wealth remains unequaled and unrivaled. Hence, there is no amount of wealth that can equal the fourth foot of the Gayatri!

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GAYATRI MANTRA - ITS MEANING

GAYATRI MANTRA - ITS MEANING

AUM BHOOR BHUWAH SWAHA,
TAT SAVITUR VARENYAM
BHARGO DEVASAYA DHEEMAHI
DHIYO YO NAHA PRACHODAYAT.

Summary of the Gayatri Mantra

Gayatri Mantra (the mother of the vedas), the foremost mantra in hinduism and hindu beliefs, inspires wisdom. Its meaning is that "May the Almighty God illuminate our intellect to lead us along the righteous path". The mantra is also a prayer to the "giver of light and life" - the sun (savitur).

Oh God! Thou art the Giver of Life,
Remover of pain and sorrow,
The Bestower of happiness,
Oh! Creator of the Universe,
May we receive thy supreme sin-destroying light,
May Thou guide our intellect in the right direction.

Word for Word Meaning of the Gayatri Mantra

Aum = Brahma ;
bhoor = embodiment of vital spiritual energy(pran) ;
bhuwah = destroyer of sufferings ;
swaha = embodiment of happiness ;
tat = that ;
savitur = bright like sun ;
varenyam = best choicest ;
bhargo = destroyer of sins ;
devasya = divine ;
dheemahi = may imbibe ;
dhiyo = intellect ;
yo = who ;
naha = our ;
prachodayat = may inspire!

author by http://www.eaglespace.com/spirit/gayatri.php

Symbol of the Absolute

Om: Symbol of the Absolute

All About the Hindu Icon

"The goal which all the Vedas declare, which all austerities aim at, and which men desire when they lead the life of continence … is Om. This syllable Om is indeed Brahman. Whosoever knows this syllable obtains all that he desires. This is the best support; this is the highest support. Whosoever knows this support is adored in the world of Brahma."
~ Katha Upanishad I

Om or Aum is of paramount importance in Hinduism. This symbol (as seen in the image on the right) is a sacred syllable representing Brahman, the impersonal Absolute of Hinduism — omnipotent, omnipresent, and the source of all manifest existence. Brahman, in itself, is incomprehensible; so a symbol becomes mandatory to help us realize the Unknowable. Om, therefore, represents both the unmanifest (nirguna) and manifest (saguna) aspects of God. That is why it is called pranava, to mean that it pervades life and runs through our prana or breath.

Om in Daily Life

Although Om symbolizes the most profound concepts of Hindu belief, it is in use daily. The Hindus begin their day or any work or a journey by uttering Om. The sacred symbol is often found at the head of letters, at the beginning of examination papers and so on. Many Hindus, as an expression of spiritual perfection, wear the sign of Om as a pendant. This symbol is enshrined in every Hindu temple premise or in some form or another on family shrines.

It is interesting to note that a newly born child is ushered into the world with this holy sign. After birth, the child is ritually cleansed and the sacred syllable Om is written on its tongue with honey. Thus right at the time of birth the syllable Om is initiated into the life of a Hindu and ever remains with him as the symbol of piety. Om is also a popular symbol used in contemporary body art and tattoos.

The Eternal Syllable

According to the Mandukya Upanishad, "Om is the one eternal syllable of which all that exists is but the development. The past, the present, and the future are all included in this one sound, and all that exists beyond the three forms of time is also implied in it".

The Music of Om

Om is not a word but rather an intonation, which, like music, transcends the barriers of age, race, culture and even species. It is made up of three Sanskrit letters, aa, au and ma which, when combined together, make the sound Aum or Om. It is believed to be the basic sound of the world and to contain all other sounds. It is a mantra or prayer in itself. If repeated with the correct intonation, it can resonate throughout the body so that the sound penetrates to the centre of one's being, the atman or soul.

There is harmony, peace and bliss in this simple but deeply philosophical sound. By vibrating the sacred syllable Om, the supreme combination of letters, if one thinks of the Ultimate Personality of Godhead and quits his body, he will certainly reach the highest state of "stateless" eternity, states the Bhagavad Gita.

The Vision of Om

Om provides a dualistic viewpoint. On one hand, it projects the mind beyond the immediate to what is abstract and inexpressible. On the other hand, it makes the absolute more tangible and comprehensive. It encompasses all potentialities and possibilities; it is everything that was, is, or can yet be. It is omnipotent and likewise remains undefined.

The Power of Om

During meditation, when we chant Om, we create within ourselves a vibration that attunes sympathy with the cosmic vibration and we start thinking universally. The momentary silence between each chant becomes palpable. Mind moves between the opposites of sound and silence until, at last, it ceases the sound. In the silence, the single thought—Om—is quenched; there is no thought. This is the state of trance, where the mind and the intellect are transcended as the individual self merges with the Infinite Self in the pious moment of realization. It is a moment when the petty worldly affairs are lost in the desire for the universal. Such is the immeasurable power of Om.

author by http://hinduism.about.com/od/omaum/a/meaningofom.htm

mean of OM-kara

OM-KARA MANTRAS

OM IS SATCHIDANANDA

OM IS THE LIFE OF ALL LIVES

OM IS THE SOUL OF ALL SOULS

OM IS INFINITY AND IMMORTALITY

OM IS SOURCE OF EVERYTHING,THE WOMB OF THE VEDAS

OM, the most sacred syllable in the ancient Sanskrit language of India, considered in Hinduism to represent all scriptural revelation in a single symbol. In meditation, Hindus repeat OM as a mantra.Om is the basis of all sounds .It consists of three letters A, U and M which cover the whole range of sound vibrations.The larynx and palate are the sound boards.When you pronounce A, no part of the tongue or palate is touched .When you pronounce U the sound rolls from the very root of the end of the sounding board of the mouth.M is the last sound which is produced by closing the two lips. Therefore all sounds are contained in OM.All languages originate from OM.The essence of four Vedas is OM.He who chants OM mentally repeats the sacred books of the whole universe.OM is the source of all religions and scriptures.OM, AMEN and AHMIN are all one.They represent Brahman or truth,the one existence.

OM represents all trinities

Every kind of trinity is represented by OM such as Brahma-Vishnu-Shiva ,Saraswati-Lakshmi-Durga, Past-Present-Future ,Birth-Life-Death ,Creation-Preserv ation-Destruction,Waking-Dreaming-Deep Sleep , Rajas-Satva-Tamas ,Body-Mind-Soul. Live and meditate on OM,rest peacefully in Om,sing OM rhythmatically,chant loudly,repeat mentally ,rely on OM, reflect on OM ,concentrate on OM.All desires will vanish and you will attain self realisation and highest knowledge.

The Power of OM Chanting

The sound is generated in navel and taken up very slowly to the opening or fontanelle on the top of the head with the closing sound M.The vibration set up by this word is very powerful .The chanting drives away all worldly thoughts and removes distractions.

How to Chant OM
The following are the steps for chanting OM correctly:

• Take a deep breath
• Hold the breath as long as you can comfortably
• Speak OM during a slow and long exhaling phase, until the breath is totally out.
• Pause and repeat the steps again and again.

The sound of OM is to be produced in a non stop manner, by combining the sounds of A, U, and M, with the last sound (that of M), assuming a nasal tone when lips have closed after speaking A and U.

The Sacred Syllable OM and the Hindu Trinity

The syllable OM (also called pranava), th most sacred symbol in Hinduism, is associated with symbolism as well as mysticism. Volumes have been written in Sanskrit illustrating the significance of this mystic symbol. Although this symbol is mentioned in all the Upanishads and in all Hindu scriptures, it is especially elaborated upon in the Taittiriya, Chandogya, and Mundaka Upanishads.

By its sound and form, OM symbolizes the infinite Brahman and the entire universe. In Sanskrit the sounds of letter A and U produce, when combined together, the sound equivalent of letter O. Thus the sound produced by the three letters A, U, and M. OM is also called the "four-element syllable." The letters A, U, and M are the three elements and the fourth element is the silence from which the sound of OM arises, and back into which it subsides.

The sound produced by the letter A signifies all that is observed and perceived in the wakeful state of an individual, thus representing both the subject and the object, and all the experiences in the physical world. Therefore, and all the experiences in the physical world. Therefore, the letter A symbolizes the phenomenal world that contributes to our experiences in the universe.

The silence, the fourth element of OM as stated above, represents the underlying Reality that pervades the waking, dream, and the deep sleep states of one's consciousness. Thus OM symbolizes the infinite Brahman, the essence of all existence.

By its form OM also represents the unmanifest and the manifest, the noumenon (ground of phenomenon) and the phenomenon, and thus OM is an adequate symbol of God, the following passage of the Katha Upanishad:

"The goal which all the Vedas declare, which all austerities aim at, and which humans desire when they lead the life of continence, I will tell you briefly: it is OM. This syllable OM is indeed Brahman. This syllable is the highest. Whosoever knows this syllable obtains all that he desires. This is the best support; this is the highest support. Whosoever knows this support is adored in the world of Brahman..." (Katha Upanishad I, ii, 15-17)

The symbol of OM consists of three curves (curves 1, 2, and 3), one semicircle and a dot. The large lower curve symbolizes the waking state; the upper curve denotes deep sleep (or the unconscious) state, and the lower curve (which lies between deep sleep and the waking state) signifies the dream state. These three states of an individual's consciousness, and therefore the entire physical phenomenon, are represented by the three curves.

The dot signifies the Absolute (fourth or Turiya state of consciousness), which illuminates the other three states. The semicircle symbolizes maya and separates the dot from the other three curves. The semicircle is open on the top, which means that the Absolute is infinite and is not affected by maya. Maya only effects the manifested phenomenon. In this way the form OM symbolizes the infinite Brahman and the entire universe.

The sacred mantra Om Tat Sat is uttered by Hindus at the end of all prayers. Thus OM begins where all speech ends, the point where an individual's heart melts into divinity, and the unspeakable and inexpressible Reality is reached. Thus OM symbolizes the essence of all the scriptures.

Hindu scriptures declare that OM is the storehouse of mystic power. When correctly uttered, OM brings into play the entire vocal mechanism of a human being. When OM is uttered according to Vedic injections, the throat generates the sound A by beginning the sound from the bottom of the spine (Kundalini) and thus using the entire depth of the human system in producing this sound. The sound U begins at the throat and ends at the tip of the tongue. The sound M is concentrated at the terminal end of the vocal system, the lips.

According to Hindu scriptures, the sound of OM is the sound of creation, and this sound represents to our ears the sound of the cosmic energy of which all things are the pronunciation of OM. To have the highest experience in life is to hear the sound of OM in deep silence.

Hindu scriptures tell us that the repetition of OM, in accordance with the Vedic methods, generates the mystic power that leads one's mind into deep concentration, meditation, and finally to samadhi, a state of higher consciousness. The mystic power of OM is confirmed by Lord Krishna Himself in the Bhagavad Gita:

"Uttering the monosyllable OM, the eternal word of Brahman, One who departs leaving the body [at death], he attains the supreme goal." (BG 8.13)

The Hindu Trinity

The Hindu Trinity also called Trimurti (meaning three forms), is the representation of the three manifestations of the Supreme Reality, as Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. Each of these manifestations is associated with a specific cosmic function. Brahma symbolizes creation, Vishnu preservation and renewal, and Shiva dissolution or destruction necessary for recreation. It must be clearly understood that the members of the Hindu Trinity are not three different and independent gods, but three aspects of one Supreme Reality, called Brahman by seers of the Upanishads.

Hindu Trinity = Three Faces of the Divine
= Three Cosmic Functions of the Supreme Lord
= Creation + Preservation + Dissolution
= Generator + Operator + Destroyer
= GOD

autor by http://www.vydic.org/pages/om.htm

Sri Sarabeswara in Vedas and ancient works

Overcome difficulties, both natural and man-made
By Sri Bharadwaj Swamigal

Are you oppressed by superiors in profession?
Are you threatened by blackmailers and miscreants?
Are you ill-treated by the family members?
Then, worship Lord Sarabeswara, who will come to your rescue readily.


The present day world is affected by natural calamities like earthquake, tsunami, floods, cyclone and lightning, besides man-made afflictions causing Ozone-belt depletion, Nuclear Holocaust, Abichara Prayoga, accidents, etc. The worship of Sri Sarabeswara, the most powerful manifestation of Lord Shiva, is very essential to combat these evils and to save the mankind from such catastropies. It is but curious to note that Lord Rudra, true to his name, took the avatar of Sri Sarabeswara to control the anger of Sri Narasimha (an incarnation of Lord Vishnu) , when the latter did not get appeased, even after annihilating the demon King Hiranya Kasipu.

Sri Sarabeswara in Vedas and ancient works
The advent of Sri Sarabeswara has been vividly mentioned in Atharva Veda, Linga Purana, Skanda Purana and Brahmanda Purana. Special mention is also made in Rigveda and Thaitriya as well, at the Uttara bhaga of Sri Lalitha Sahasranama.

"Paayaanno Deva: Sarabasthva Payaath
Sathaarirogath Vipinorakaapyam
Vaiswanaro Kugari Ritchakebya:
Prethebyo Bhoothebyo Rusha: Krudanthan" ||
(Atharva Veda)

The Veda mantras affirm that all our sins are wiped off by chanting the powerful mantra of Sri Sarabha. Sage Veda Vyasa in his Linga Purana (96th Chapter) categorically says that those who worship Sri Sarabeswara, will get rid of all the afflictions caused by bad dreams, chronic ailments, poisonous bites, besides the great disasters caused by earthquake, floods, cyclone, thunder, lightning and such bad conglomerations.

"Sarva Vigna Prasamanam, Sarva Vyadi Vinasanam
Arichakra Prasamanam, Sarva Dukka Vinasanam,
Atraanyothpada Bookamba thaavagni Paamasu Vrishtisu
Thatho duswapna Samanam, Sarvabhootha Nivaranam,
Vishagraha Kshayakaram Puthra powthraadhi Vardhanam,
Thathraksha Daaranam Kuryaath Jangamaangey Varaananey"|| Linga Purana - 96

Avatar of Lord Sarabeswara:
According to the Puranas, Hiranya Kasipu, the demon king, due to augmented audacity and ego, proclaimed himself as 'God' and entreated everybody to worship him. His pious and upright son Sri Prahlada refuted his father's action, by saying that only Lord Vishnu (Narayana) is the protector of the universe who is an all pervader. Out of rage and being exasperated by his son's continued disobedience, one day Hiranya hit one of the pillars in his palace with his mace, to find out whether Lord Narayana was hiding there, as believed by his son. To make his devotee's words come true, Lord Narayana appeared from inside the broken pillar, in the form of Narasimha, a man with a Lion's head, who killed the demon King in an encounter. Unfortunately His anger and fierceness did not subside, even after annihilation of the demon and the three worlds trembled in fear. All the Devas headed by Lord Brahma appealed to Lord Shiva to appease the anger of Lord Narasimha. The compassionate Lord Shiva sent His lieutenant Agora Veerabhadra to do the job, but it went in vain. The 'rajoguna' caused by tasting the blood of the demon did not let Lord Narasimha to calm down. Veerabhadra unable to subdue Sri Narasimha, prayed to Lord Shiva to intervene. There appeared the most terrible form of a combination of man, bird and animal. It was a queer combination of man with Saraba (Bird) and Yaali (animal), celebratedly known and worshipped by the name Sri Sarabeswara, being the Thirtieth avatar of Lord Shiva amongst His Sixty four incarnations.

Sri Sarabeswara, sporting two huge wings, (representing Soolini Durga and Prathyankira Devi), eight legs, the nose of an eagle, four arms carrying fire, serpent, a deer and the ankus, with fingers having sharp nails looking very fierce and turbulent, came flying and comforted Sri Narasimha with his two wings to calm down. But the fiery energy stored in the latter came out in the form of a bird called 'Kandaberunda' and started to fight with Sri Sarabha and this divine encounter continued for eighteen days. Lord Sarabeswara decided to conclude this 'sport'. By His will, Goddess Prathyankira Devi came out of one of his wings, took a huge physical form, gulped the 'Kandaberunda'bird and brought its end. Sri Narasimha realising his erroneous action, praised Lord Sarabeswara with beautiful epithets, which later became the Ashtothra (108 Names) of the victorious Lord. Lord Shiva then revealed to all the Devas that "to annihilate the Asura, Lord Narasimha came, and to appease Lord Narasimha, I have come as Sarabeswara. Be aware that we are both one and the same like water and water, milk and milk, ghee and ghee, both inseparable and to be worshipped as one".

"Yatha Jaley Jalam, Kshiptham, Ksheeram, Ksheeray Kruthang Kruthey|
Yekayeva Thatha Vishnu: Shiva Leetho Nachanyatha"||

Lord Brahma, out of gratitude for saving the universe from the anger of Sri Narasimha, worshipped Lord Sarabeswara with "Sri Sarabeswara Ashtothra". At the very appearance of Lord Sarabeswara glittering like thousand Suns, the rage of Narasimha subsided and the entire universe heaved with relief. Let Sri Sarabeswara protect us for ever, from any disaster.

Gayatri Mantra of Sri Sarabeswara:
"Saluvesaya Vidmahey Pakshi rajaya Deemahi Tanno Sarabha: Prachodayath" ||

Sri Durga, the consort of Sri Sarabeswara:
Sri Durga, the Supreme warrior Goddess, out of all the 64 manifestations of Lord Shiva, specially liked and adored the form of Sri Sarabeswara and became His consort. Durga Sahasranama, bears ample testimony to this fact. Being Herself a great warrior, no wonder, She liked the most valiant Sri Sarabeswara - the greatest of all the warriors, who subdued the invincible Lord Narasimha.

Sarabeswara Temples in South India:
Between the towns of Kumbakonam and Mayiladuturai, at a place called Thirubhuvanam, Lord Sarabeswara is being worshipped as 'Kampakeswara' attributed to be the places where Brahma worshipped him. There are also other places of worship for Sri Sarabeswara at Gangai Konda Cholapuram, Dharapuram, Karaikkudi, Thiruvannamalai, Chidambaram etc., In the vicinity of Chennai, Sri Sarabeswara is worshipped at Denupureswarar Temple (at Madambakkam near Tambaram), at Trisoolam Temple (Near Meenambakkam) and also at Kurungaleeswarar Temple at Koyambedu.

Lord Sarabeswara as Saviour:
As already mentioned, the worship of Sri Sarabeswara is the most efficacious and timely one, among the Hindu Gods. Those who are suffering due to oppression from superiors in their profession, those who are ill-treated by elders and affluent relatives in their family, those who are threatened by blackmailers and miscreants to collect booty, and last but not the least, those who want to overcome difficulties both natural and man-made, should worship the most compassionate and valiant Sri Sarabeswara. He will come to their rescue readily.

Neela Kantaya Rudraya Sivaya Sasimousiney,
Bavaya Bava Nathaya Pakshirajaya theynamaha:|
Gangadaraya Sambaya Paramananda Thejasey,
Sarvesvaraya Santhaya Sarabaya Namo Namaha: ||

"Salutation to Lord Shiva, the most compassionate One, who radiates kindness and bliss all over. He appears with a blue-coloured neck, carrying river Ganga and the crescent Moon on His head. He removes all our sins and re-births, as the supreme Lord of the Universe. He is also known by various other names like Neelakanta, Rudra. Bavanatha, Gangadara, Sambava, Sarveswara etc. He came as the monarch of all the birds as "Pakshiraja", whom we adore as "Sri Sarabeswara", to protect us from the evils.

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